Karmapa to
visit Bodh Gaya, VaranasiDHARAMSALA, Feb 3 — The
Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim may not be the immediate destination of the
17th Kamapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, but after being granted refugee
status by India, he will soon be fulfilling his desire to visit the
Buddhist religious centres of Bodh Gaya and Varanasi.

Centre to hike subsidy for fish
farmingSHIMLA, Feb 3 — The Government of India has agreed to enhance the subsidy component being paid to beneficiaries under the ongoing fish farmer development scheme substantially, besides initiating a number of new schemes on the plea of the state
government.

Sukh Ram
weighing all optionsSHIMLA, Feb 3 — The
acquittal of Mr Sukh Ram, president, Himachal Vikas Congress, in the
multi-crore telecom scam notwithstanding, power equations in the state
are not likely to undergo any material change in the near future.

Schools in
tribal areas to get staff: DhumalSHIMLA, Feb 3 — The Chief
Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, has underlined the need for early
completion of development schemes so that the benefits could reach the
deprived people at the earliest.

Samiti
poll put off third timeHAMIRPUR, Feb 3 — The
election to the post of chairman and vice chairman of the Hamirpur
Panchayat Samiti was once again deferred today for want of quorum. Only
two of the 15 members elected for the body reported at the block office
for the election. Mr Baldev Thakur, SDM, was present in the office for
the poll.

Better
wheat varieties in offingPALAMPUR: Scientists
of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya here are working on the
development of improved wheat varieties for drought- prone hill regions
of the state in particular and the country as a whole.

Head
Constable suspendedSOLAN, Feb 3 — The
Superintendent of Police, Mr Rakesh Aggarwal, suspended Jaswinder Singh,
a head Constable posted at the Kandaghat police station, for dereliction
of duty yesterday.

Power
cut irks residentsKANGRA, Feb 3 —
Resentment prevails among residents here for the alleged
discriminationary attitude of the state electricity board authorities
towards the residents of Kangra and the nearby areas in imposing power
cut for over three hours daily against two hour daily power cut in
Dharamsala, Palampur, Mandi, Bilaspur and other towns.

ABVP rebels’
bid to float outfitSHIMLA, Feb 3 — The move by some disgruntled members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
to float a parallel outfit was aborted when Mr Anil Attri, who was supposed to head the committee to organise the new students body, expressed loyalty to the parishad.

Use
water carefully, says ministerSHIMLA, Feb 3 — Mr
Ramesh Dhwala, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, has asked people
to use water judiciously keeping in view of continuing dry spell which
is likely to cause a severe water crisis.

School
inauguratedNAHAN, Feb 3 — The
Minister of State for Primary Education , Mr Karan Singh, yesterday
inaugurated two buildings of primary school in the Poanta Sahib area.

DHARAMSALA, Feb 3 — The Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim may not be the immediate destination of the 17th Kamapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, but after being granted refugee status by India, he will soon be fulfilling his desire to visit the Buddhist religious centres of Bodh Gaya and Varanasi.

Though the uncertainty over the status of the Karmapa in India has finally come to an end, he has still not been given the go-ahead to make a trip to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, the seat of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Confirming the granting of refugee status to the Karmapa, the Minister for Religion and Culture in the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Mr Tashi Wangdi, said that all other formalities would be worked out step by step.

Mr Wangdi said that since it was the desire of the Karmapa to visit Bodh Gaya and Varanasi ever since his arrival in India, almost a year back, his programme to these places was being chalked out. “We are hopeful that the Indian authorities will soon grant him permission to visit Rumtek in Sikkim, as it is the legitimate seat of the Karma Kagyu sect, set up by the 16th Karmapa,” said Mr Wangdi.

Even though there were reports of celebrations by Karmapa’s followers all over the world over the grant of refugee status to the head of the Kagyu sect, yet those close to him were still awaiting a written confirmation from New Delhi. “Though it has been communicated to us that the Karmapa has been granted refugee status, he too is waiting for a written reply, which is expected to reach us within a day or two,” said one of his close aides.

Karmapa aides revealed that the decision by India to grant him refugee status had been greeted with jabiliation in Taiwan, Europe and Rumtek in Sikkim. Though there was disappointment amongst his followers that he would not be able to visit Rumtek immediately, they were glad that the one-year period of uncertainty had finally come to an end.

Mr Wangdi, too, said that though it had been a long wait, they were confident that they would get a positive response from India. He said that the six other persons, including the Kamapa’s sister, who had fled with him from Tibet, had also been granted refugee status. He, however, denied any immediate move to shift the Karmapa from the Gyuto Tantrik Monastery in Sidhbari, which was meant to be a temporary abode initially.

The Karmapa’s one-year stay here in Dharamsala has been a trying period for him, as there were complete restrictions on his movements or on those meeting him. With all these factors weighing heavily on his mind and India, delaying a decision on his status, he had to be rushed to the PGI at Chandigarh, for treatment of stress and tension.

At the same time, Indian intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain the reasons that compelled him to flee Tibet. As if all this was not enough, the internal dissmensions of the Karma Kagyu sect also posed problems for him. One of the senior regents of the sect, Shamar Rimpoche, claimed that it was another Tibetan youth, Thaye Dorjee, who was the genuine Karmapa. He had even threatened that there would be trouble at Rumtek if Ogyen Trinley Dorjee was allowed to go to Sikkim.

SHIMLA, Feb 3 — The Government of India has agreed to enhance the subsidy component being paid to beneficiaries under the ongoing fish farmer development scheme substantially, besides initiating a number of new schemes on the plea of the state government.

Stating this here today, Mr Kishori Lal, Industry Minister, said that
the unit cost of pond construction and renovation had been increased three times for the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. Under the revised norms, a beneficiary was entitled to financial aid of Rs 40,000 per hectare for pond construction, Rs 20,000 per hectare for pond renovation, Rs 6,000 per hectare for providing inputs during first year, and Rs 4,000 for setting up units in running water. In addition, for setting up of integrated fish farming unit the financial assistance had been revised to Rs 16,000 per hectare and to Rs 12,500 for purchase of aeriators and pumps, while Rs 5 lakh would be given for setting up a fish feed unit. He said that 25 per cent higher subsidy would be provided to weaker sections belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The minister said that several new schemes had been initiated under the fish farmer development agency programme, like establishment of water-testing laboratory, purchase of soil testing kits and hatchery for ornamental fish. The assistance provided under these schemes ranged from Rs 30,000 to Rs 5 lakh to beneficiaries and up to Rs 30 lakh to the state government.

Mr Kishori Lal said that the pattern of assistance to the state government had also been revised and the Central Government would now provide 75 per cent assistance to the beneficiaries. Further, as a special gesture, the Central Government would bear the transportation cost of seed from state government fish farms to farmers’ ponds.

In addition, training of the beneficiaries had been given highest attention under the revised pattern of Central assistance. The Government of India would provide funds to the state government for the purpose and each beneficiary would be given Rs 50 per day during
training period of 10 days and Rs 100 for travel expenditure.

Mr Kishori Lal said that the two fish farmers’ development agencies of the state, located at Kangra and Bilaspur, were being geared up to expand their activities to cover maximum water area under fish culture and provide assistance to a large number of beneficiaries to generate significant employment. Powers had been delegated to panchayati raj institutions for sanctioning applications under the FFDA
programme.

SHIMLA, Feb 3 — The acquittal of Mr Sukh Ram, president, Himachal Vikas Congress (HVC), in the multi-crore telecom scam notwithstanding, power equations in the state are not likely to undergo any material change in the near future.

The HVC chief has not only discounted reports regarding his re-induction in the Dhumal ministry but has also categorically stated that he would neither return to the Congress not merge his party with any other political outfit. He was expelled from the Congress in the wake of the telecom scandal in 1996 and two years ago he was forced to resign from the Cabinet when the CBI filed a charge sheet against him.

However, having floated a new party and secured over 12 per cent votes in the Assembly elections, Mr Sukh Ram is in no hurry either to join the ministry or jump on the Congress bandwagon. The reasons for this are quite obvious. The Congress in which Mr Sukh Ram has a large number of well-wishers is a divided house with rival factions headed by the PCC chief Mrs Vidya Stokes, and Mr Virbhadra Singh, Congress Legislative Party leader, locked in a no-holds barred battle for supremacy in the party. On the other hand his relationship with the coalition partner, the BJP has also not been smooth.

A shrewd politician Mr Sukh Ram is waiting for an opportune time to take a decision. The realignment of political forces will take place on the eve of the next Assembly poll, which is still two years away. He has ample time at his disposal. The wait-and-watch policy is an important part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, certain leaders of the HVC have demanded his re-induction into the ministry. The party chief has, however, himself not taken up the issue at any level.

The High Court verdict has come as big setback to the Mohinder Singh faction which has been urging the government to speed up cases against Mr Sukh Ram. Most of the senior leaders of the new outfit, the Himachal Vikas Party, floated by him after splitting the HVC, have been in favour of returning to the parent party. They even refused to endorse his decision to merge the party with the Lok Jan Shakti, the party floated by Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Communication.

Now that Mr Sukh Ram has been acquitted in the telecom scam, they have all the more reasons to return to the HVC.

The office-bearers of the HVP, which met here under the chairmanship of Mr O.P. Rattan, party president, constituted a four member subcommittee to decide whether to strengthen the existing party or merge it with some other party.

Whether or not the estranged leaders return to the HVC fold, Mr Sukh Ram, who played the role of a kingmaker by installing Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, as Chief Minister in the wake of hung Assembly, will again play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the Assembly poll.

SHIMLA, Feb 3 — The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar
Dhumal, has underlined the need for early completion of development schemes so that the benefits could reach the deprived people at the earliest.

Presiding over a meeting of legislators from Kulu, Chamba, Mandi, Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts for finalising priorities for the 2001-02 Plan, the Chief Minister said to ensure speedy completion of schemes the government had decided that only three new schemes would be included in every development sector for each constituency instead of starting a large number of works which kept lingering on. He said it had been noticed some schemes had been appearing in the Plan and budget for the past 20-25 years with meagre budget provision and this situation could not be allowed to continue anymore.

He said the government would also welcome suggestions of MLAs for raising resources in the larger interests of the state and speedy development. He also sought cooperation for rationalisation of health, educational and other institutions so that maximum people of the state could be benefited from these.

He said such schemes should be accorded priority by MLAs which could be undertaken under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sarak Yojna and accelerated rural water supply programme as also the accelerated irrigation benefit programme so that maximum funds could be arranged for the purpose.

The mid-term appraisal of the Plan started last year had proved very successful and helped in a proper review of the progress of schemes accorded priority by the
MLAs.

Ms Shyama Sharma, Deputy Chairperson of the State Planning Board, said the suggestion of MLAs would be given due consideration.

Mr Kaul Singh, MLA, and former Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha, participating in the discussions welcomed the government proposal for rationalisation of educational institutions in such areas where these had been opened in excess and students were very few. He added schools opened in difficult and tribal areas would be made functional by providing staff. He said that in such areas vacant posts of teacher, doctor and other paramedical staff should be filled on priority.

He also wanted an electrical division opened, in his assembly constituency.

Mr Rangila Ram
Rao, a former minister, was for giving priority for construction of roads in his area. He also called for posting of doctors in health institutions in his area.

Mr Jai Ram wanted posting of staff in primary health centres at Bagsaid and
Janjheli, while Mr Chander Sen, was for giving priority for construcion of roads in his area.

Mr Tulsi Ram, MLA, urged for construction of the Holi-Utrala road on priority.

Mr Kashmir Singh, demanded setting up of a maize-based industry in his area.

The Chief Minister today released the Kulu District Gazetteer brought out by the state government. With this gazetteers for six out of 12 districts have been completed.

Speaking on the occasion, he said over the years the contents of gazetteers had changed and progressively new dimensions had been added.

The emphasis had shifted to their being treated as more of a reference book for the ruled than the rulers. A gazetteer had increasingly become a comprehensive document wich dilated on diversified subjects of the district, its history from early times, evolution of the region as an administrative unit, its physical features, climate, river system and water resources, geology, flora, fauna, demographical features, languages, religions, social customs and the culture of its people.

HAMIRPUR, Feb 3 — The election to the post of chairman and vice chairman of the Hamirpur Panchayat Samiti was once again deferred today for want of quorum. Only two of the 15 members elected for the body reported at the block office for the election. Mr Baldev Thakur, SDM, was present in the office for the poll.

This was for the third time that members belonging to the Congress and the BJP did not attend the meeting to elect the new office-bearers. Ten persons are required to complete the quorum.

While eight members belonging to the Congress remained sitting at the residence of Mrs Anita Verma, former HP Parliamentary Secretary, six others were at the circuit house with Mrs Urmila Thakur, Parliamentary Secretary. Two others, however, attended the meeting.

Now the election will be held on February 8, according to Mr Baldev Thakur.

Meanwhile, resentment prevails among residents of the Hamirpur over the delaying tactics adopted by the two parties regarding the elections.

PALAMPUR: Scientists of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya here are working on the development of improved wheat varieties for drought- prone hill regions of the state in particular and the country as a whole.

Efforts are under way in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, under the guidance of Prof G.S. Sethi, Head of the department-cum-Dean, College of Agriculture, to develop superior varieties for varied agroclimatic conditions in the state. Certain potential genetic resources, including rye, are being used to introgress desirable traits like drought and cold tolerance, disease resistance, enhanced protein content and better phosphorus uptake, into the spring wheat genetic background. Wheat varieties such as Aradhana, Surbhi, Palam and Saptdhara have already been developed through conventional breeding and released for use in different areas.

The university has taken measures to supplement conventional methods with certain potential haploid breeding approaches. Efforts are on to reduce the period of wheat variety development by about four or five years.

The present programme has been strengthened in the department following the sanctioning of two ad hoc research schemes (Rs 25 lakh) by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Department of Science and Technology at the Centre.

According to Prof P.K. Khosla, Vice-Chancellor of the university, the work on doubled haploid breeding, if further refined and pursued vigorously, can transform wheat production besides contributing to scientific advancement. He added that such work could be extended to a few other crops, too.

The Head Constable had been designated as investigation officer in the case of a property-related clash in which a local BJP leader, Mr Mohan Lal Thakur, was injured at Ghalai village near Kandaghat on Thursday.

He had rounded up six persons after the clash and had taken them to the Primary Health Centre, Kandaghat, for the mandatory medical examinations. After the completion of the formalities at the centre, one of the six arrested, an employee of the Y.S. Parmar University’s research station at nearby Dedgharat, Amar Singh, managed to escape. He allegedly gave the police party the slip of the pretext of submitting his leave application with his office.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Magistrate, Mr P.C. Chauhan, has remanded the other five who had been arrested in this case to police custody till tomorrow.

KANGRA, Feb 3 — Resentment prevails among residents here for the alleged discriminationary attitude of the state electricity board authorities towards the residents of Kangra and the nearby areas in imposing power cut for over three hours daily against two hour daily power cut in Dharamsala, Palampur, Mandi, Bilaspur and other towns.

The Senior Citizens’ Forum Secretary, Mr S.C. Kaistha, said residents of this pilgrim town were being put to inconvenience by power cuts. Mr C.R. Mahajan, joint convener, Vivekananda Kendra, Prof K.C. Gupta, president, Local Rotary Club and Bar Association members also expressed resentment against the discriminatory attitude of the HPSEB towards the residents here.

Different NGOs alleged that the department was not resorting to power cut in the area where the local minister and a former Congress minister were residing.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Engineer (Operations) when contacted said the department would reduce the power cut from over three hours to two hours from Sunday.

SHIMLA, Feb 3 — The move by some disgruntled members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to float a parallel outfit was aborted when Mr Anil Attri, who was supposed to head the committee to organise the new students body, expressed loyalty to the parishad.

In a written statement, Mr Attri, who is the secretary of the city unit of the parishad, said his name to head the committee was announced by some disgruntled elements without even contacting him. He said he was a loyal worker of the parishad.

Some other leaders, including Mr Ajay Shyam, who was made vice president of the committee, Mr Vineet Rana and Mr Sumit Sood have also said that they had nothing to do with the porposed outfit.

The rebels have now announced the formation of Himachal Chhatra Sangthan with Mr Rajinder Thakur as its president.

SHIMLA, Feb 3 — Mr Ramesh Dhwala, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, has asked people to use water judiciously keeping in view of continuing dry spell which is likely to cause a severe water crisis.

He has also directed his department to disconnect the supply of water to those who misused water for irrigating kitchen gardens and building construction. Public taps and storage tanks should be regularly inspected to ensure that there was no wastage of water due to leakage or overflow.

NAHAN, Feb 3 — The Minister of State for Primary Education , Mr Karan Singh, yesterday inaugurated two buildings of primary school in the Poanta Sahib area. Addressing a public meeting the minister said the government was committed to ending shortage of teachers in schools by recruiting more teachers.